The San Jose Sharks further improved the NHL’s best record with a 7-2 thrashing of a road-weary Washington Capitals outfit on Saturday.
Ryane Clowe scored two goals, Rob Blake had four assists and San Jose improved to a remarkable 17-3-1 record and boosted its home record to 11-0-1.
A goal with 52 seconds to play equalled the Sharks’ season-best scoring effort of seven goals.
PHOTO: AP
Washington, playing its third game in California in four days, hasn’t won in San Jose this century.
BRUINS 3, CANADIENS 2, SO
In Montreal, Boston prevailed over Montreal in the shootout, claiming the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Blake Wheeler scored in the shootout and Tim Thomas stopped all three Montreal attempts as the Bruins spoiled a night on which the Canadiens retired Patrick Roy’s No. 33 jersey in a pre-game ceremony.
Wheeler scored on Boston’s first attempt when he appeared to lose control of the puck driving in and momentum kept the puck traveling between the Montreal goalie’s legs.
Thomas, who stopped 33 shots during the game, turned aside three in succession in the shootout to give the Bruins their first regular-season win at Montreal in nearly two years.
CANUCKS 3, PENGUINS 1
In Pittsburgh, Vancouver overcame an injury to prized goalie Roberto Luongo to beat Pittsburgh.
Luongo hurt his groin less than five minutes into the game but Pavol Demitra scored twice and Daniel and Henrik Sedin had three points each as the Canucks won their third straight, all on the road.
Luongo left the game after collapsing to the ice following what appeared to be a routine save. He was helped off the ice without putting weight on his left leg.
The Canucks said Luongo would be evaluated upon arrival in Vancouver.
RED WINGS 5, FLAMES 2
In Calgary, Alberta, Detroit stretched its winning streak to five games by beating Calgary.
Jiri Hudler scored the winning goal and had an assist for the Red Wings, who haven’t lost in regulation time all month.
SENATORS 4, RANGERS 1
In Ottawa, the home team ended a six-game losing skid with victory over New York.
Daniel Alfredsson and Jesse Winchester scored late in the second period for the Senators, who got their first win since Nov. 6.
In other games, it was:
• Chicago 5, Maple Leafs 4, OT
• Blues 2, Wild 1
• Ducks 2, Stars 1, SO
• Flyers 4, Coyotes 3, OT
• Islanders 4, Sabres 2
• Blue Jackets 2, Thrashers 0
• Avalanche 4, Kings 3, SO
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